[0001] This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No.
10-2011-0081654, filed on August 17, 2011, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference, in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
1. Field
[0002] The inventive concept relates to a liquid crystal panel assembly and a liquid crystal
display apparatus having the same, and more particularly to a liquid crystal panel
assembly that is free of any light guide panel (LGP). The inventive concept also relates
to a liquid crystal display apparatus that includes such a panel assembly.
2. Related Art
[0003] A liquid crystal display apparatus displays an image using liquid crystals. The liquid
crystal display apparatus is quite ubiquitous, being used in many common electronic
devices such as televisions and computer monitors.
[0004] A typical liquid crystal display apparatus includes a liquid crystal panel that uses
light to display an image, a light source that provides the light to the liquid crystal
panel, and a light guide panel (LGP) that guides the light from the light source to
the liquid crystal panel. Between the LGP and the liquid crystal panel, there are
optical films such as a diffusion sheet and a prism sheet. In this kind of arrangement,
the LGP actually supports rear surfaces of the optical films. The LGP therefore allows
the optical films to appear smooth and flat, without any drooping or sagging.
[0005] Recently, for thesake of saving production cost and reducing weight, a liquid crystal
display apparatus that can operate with no LGP has been developed. Leaving out the
LGP, however, introduces the issue of what to do about the optical films. In particular,
without the support of the LGP, the optical films may tend to droop or sag, causing
a deterioration in light uniformity and picture quality.
SUMMARY
[0006] According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set
forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from
the dependent claims, and the description which follows. An aspect of the inventive
concept provides for a way to prevent optical films from drooping in a liquid crystal
display apparatus that lacks, or is free of, an LGP.
[0007] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides an LGP-less liquid crystal
panel assembly which includes at least one light source that generates light; a liquid
crystal panel having a front panel surface and a rear panel surface, the light being
received from the light source through the rear panel surface and being displayed
on the front panel surface as an image; at least one optical film having a front film
surface facing the rear panel surface, and having a rear film surface receiving the
light from the light source; a chassis that includes an upper chassis and a lower
chassis and accommodates the light source, the liquid crystal panel, and the optical
film; and at least one tension member that applies tension to the optical film so
as to prevent the optical film from drooping.
[0008] The tension member may be provided with a clip member, one end of the clip member
may be coupled to an edge region of the optical film, and the other end of the clip
member may be locked into one component in the liquid crystal panel assembly.
[0009] The liquid crystal panel assembly according to an exemplary embodimentmay further
include an intermediate chassis between the upper chassis and the lower chassis; wherein
the other end of the clip member is locked into the intermediate chassis.
[0010] The clip member may include a film coupling portion coupled to the optical film;
and a locking portion locked into the intermediate chassis.
[0011] At least one coupling hole may be formed in the edge region of the optical film,
and the film coupling portion may have a coupling hook extending through the coupling
hole.
[0012] At least one locking groove may be formed in the intermediate chassis, and the locking
portion may have a locking hook locked into the locking groove.
[0013] The intermediate chassis may have a first side surface supporting the optical film
and a second side surface supporting the lower chassis, and an angle between the film
coupling portion of the clip member and the locking portion may be smaller than an
angle between the first side surface and the second side surface of the intermediate
chassis.
[0014] The tension member may be provided with a lever member rotatably arranged in the
liquid crystal panel assembly, one end of the lever member may be coupled to an edge
region of the optical film, and the other end of the lever member may be pressed by
the upper chassis when the upper chassis is coupled with the lower chassis.
[0015] The upper chassis may have a pressing protrusion pressing the other end of the lever
member.
[0016] At least one coupling hole, into which the one end of the lever member is inserted,
may be formed in the optical film.
[0017] The liquid crystal panel assembly according to an exemplary embodimentmay further
include an intermediate chassis arranged between the upper chassis and the lower chassis;
wherein the lever member is mounted on the intermediate chassis.
[0018] The light source may include at least one LED.
[0019] Another exemplary embodimentprovides an LGP-less liquid crystal panel assembly which
includes at least one light source that generates light; a liquid crystal panel having
a front panel surface and a rear panel surface, wherein the light is received from
the light source through the rear panel surface and is displayed on the front panel
surface as an image; at least one optical film having a front film surface facing
the rear panel surface, and having a rear film surface receiving the light from the
light source; and a chassis including an upper chassis, a lower chassis, and an intermediate
chassis arranged between the upper chassis and a lower chassis, wherein the chassis
accommodates the light source, the liquid crystal panel, and the optical film;wherein
the intermediate chassis includes a first seating surface and a second seating surface
on which an edge regions of the optical film is seated, the second seating surface
is arranged closer to the center of the liquid crystal panel than the first seating
surface; the second seating surface protrudes more towards the liquid crystal panel
than the first seating surface;and the upper chassis presses the edge region of the
optical film on the first seating surface when the upper chassis is coupled with the
lower chassis.
[0020] The light source may include at least one LED.
[0021] Still another exemplary embodimentprovides a liquid crystal display apparatus including
a liquid crystal panel assembly according to any one of the herein-described exemplary
embodiments.
[0022] In yet another exemplary embodiment, a display apparatus includes a light source
that directs light behind the display panel; and optical film having a rear surface
through which the light from the light source must first pass before reaching the
display panel, wherein the rear surface of the optical film is free of support from
a light guide panel; and a tensioner that applies tension to the optical film.
[0023] The tensioner may comprise a clip member, in which case the tension applied to the
optical film results from an elastic force of the clip member. Alternatively, the
tensioner may comprise a lever member, in which case the tension applied to the optical
film results from an engagement of one end of the lever member acting on the optical
film. In yet another alternative, the tensioner may comprise a first seating surface
of an intermediate chassis and a pressing surface of an upper chassis which apply
tension to the optical film by gripping an edge of the optical film and pulling it
over a second seating surface of the intermediate chassis. In any of these alternative
exemplary embodiments, the display panel may comprise a liquid crystal display panel.
[0024] In still another exemplary embodiment, a display apparatus comprises a light source
directed behind the display panel by an optical lens; and optical film having a rear
surface through which light from the light source must first pass before reaching
the display panel, wherein the rear surface of the optical film is free of support
from a light guide panel; and means for applying tension to the optical film.
[0025] In this exemplary embodiment, the means for applying tension may comprise an elastic
clip. Alternatively, the means for applying tension may comprise a lever. According
to yet another alternative, the means for applying tension may comprise at least two
different surfaces that come into contact in a manner that exerts tension on the optical
film. In any of these alternative exemplary embodiments, the display panel may comprise
a liquid crystal display panel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will
be more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a liquid crystal panel assembly
according to a first exemplary embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 2A is a plan view of an optical film provided in a liquid crystal panel assembly
of FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 2B is an enlarged plan view of an area A in FIG. 2A;
[0030] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a tension member provided in a liquid crystal panel
assembly of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 3A;
[0032] FIG. 4A is a cross-section view showing a step of coupling a clip member to an optical
film;
[0033] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view showing a step applying tension to an optical film
by taking advantage of an elastic force of the tension member that is a clip member;
[0034] FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view showing a step of locking a clip member into an
intermediate chassis by pressing the clip member;
[0035] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a liquid crystal panel assembly
according to a second exemplary embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view showing the state of a liquid crystal panel assembly
before an optical film is pulled by a lever member;
[0037] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view showing the state of a liquid crystal panel assembly
when an optical film is being pulled by a lever member;
[0038] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a liquid crystal panel assembly according
to a third exemplary embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view showing the shape of a liquid crystal panel assembly
before tension is applied to an optical film;
[0040] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view showing the shape of a liquid crystal panel assembly
when tension is applied to the optical film; and
[0041] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a liquid crystal display
apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments that teach the inventive concept are described
in some detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the inventive
concept is not restricted or limited to just these exemplary embodiments. In the discussion
below, well-known functions or constructions will not be exhaustively describedso
as to avoid obscuring the description with unnecessary detail.
[0043] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a liquid crystal panel assembly
according to a first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2A is a plan view of an optical film
provided in a liquid crystal panel assembly of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is an enlarged
plan view of an area A in FIG. 2A. FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a tension member
provided in a liquid crystal panel assembly of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional
view taken along line I-I of FIG. 3A.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 1, a liquid crystal panel assembly 100 according to a first exemplary
embodiment includes an upper chassis 111 and a lower chassis 112.
[0045] The upper chassis 111 and the lower chassis 112 are coupled to each other by a screw
115 to form a space for accommodating other components of the liquid crystal panel
assembly 100. A heat sink 113 is mounted on an inner surface 112a of the lower chassis
112. The heat sink 113 is made of a metal material having high thermal conductivity
(for example, aluminum). A reflection sheet 114 is attached to the heat sink 113.
[0046] The liquid crystal panel assembly 100 further includes a light source 120 and an
optical lens 130.
[0047] The light source 120 generates and irradiates light toward the optical lens 130.
In this exemplary embodiment, the light source 120 is an LED, but types of light sources
may be used. Although only one light source 120 is illustrated in FIG. 1, the liquid
crystal panel assembly 100 includes a plurality of light sources 120 arranged at equal
intervals. The light source 120 is mounted on a driving panel 121, and the driving
panel 121 is mounted on the heat sink 113.
[0048] The optical lens 130 is arranged in front of the light source 120 to refract at various
angles the light that emanates from light source 120. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the
liquid crystal panel assembly is free of (i.e., has no) a light guide panel. As is
well known, alight guide panel is usually used to guide the light, that emanates from
the light source, toward the liquid crystal panel. In this exemplary embodiment, however,
the liquid crystal panel assembly 100 is equipped with the optical lens 130 instead
of the light guide panel.Thus, the light that emanates from the light source 120 can
be spread by virtue of the optical lens 130. Since this arrangement is free of alight
guide panel, the liquid crystal panel assembly 100 can be manufactured at a reduced
cost and has a lower weight when compared with the light guide panel type of liquid
crystal panel assembly.
[0049] The liquid crystal panel assembly 100 further includes a liquid crystal panel 140
and an optical film 150. In FIG. 1, the liquid crystal panel 140 has a front panel
surface that faces towards the upper part of the drawing figure and a rear panel surface
that faces the lower part of the drawing figure. Likewise, the optical film 150 has
a front film surface that faces towards the upper part of the drawing figure, and
a rear film surface that faces toward the lower part of the drawing figure. As shown
in the drawing figure, the front film surface of the optical film 150 faces the rear
panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 140. Light from the light source 120 must
first pass through the rear surface of the optical film 150 before reaching the display
panel 140. Since there is no light guide panel, the rear surface of the optical film
150 is free of support from a light guide panel.
[0050] The liquid crystal panel 140 displays the light generated from the light source 120
as a color image. For this, the liquid crystal panel 140 includes a color filter substrate
(not illustrated) having a color filter layer and a thin film transistor substrate
(not illustrated) having thin film transistors. Liquid crystals (not illustrated)
are accommodated between the color filter substrate and the thin film transistor substrate.
Since the liquid crystal panel 140 is well known, the detailed description thereof
will be omitted.
[0051] As mentioned above, optical film 150 is arranged in the rear of the liquid crystal
panel 140 to face the liquid crystal panel 140. Although the optical film 150 appears
as a single member in FIG. 1, it may include a plurality of optical sheets such as
a diffusion sheet, a prism sheet, and the like. As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment
shown in FIG. 2A, the optical film 150 may have a substantially rectangular shape,
with three tips 153formed on each of two edge regions 151 and 152. As illustrated
in FIG. 3B, a rectangular coupling hole 153a is formed on each tip 153. In other alternative
exemplary embodiments, the coupling holes 153a may be directly formed on the edge
regions 151 and 152 without forming the tips 153.
[0052] The liquid crystal panel assembly 100 further includes an intermediate chassis that
is also called a middle mold.
[0053] The intermediate chassis 160 supports some of components of the liquid crystal panel
assembly 100, and, together with the upper and lower chassis parts 111 and 112, the
three can be thought of as a chassis. The intermediate chassis 160 is arranged on
the edge regions in the liquid crystal panel assembly 100, and is arranged between
the upper chassis 111 and the lower chassis 112. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a first
side surface 161 of the intermediate chassis 160 is in contact with the optical film
150, and a second side surface 162 of the intermediate chassis 160 is in contact with
the lower chassis 112. The first side surface 161 and the second side surface 162
of the intermediate chassis 160 are at right angles with each other. On the second
side surface 162 of the intermediate chassis 160 there is formed at least one locking
groove 162a for locking a tension member 170 to be described later.
[0054] As described above, the liquid crystal panel assembly 100 according to this exemplary
embodiment is not provided with any light guide panel. Accordingly, the liquid crystal
panel assembly 100 further includes tension members 170 in order to prevent the optical
film 150 from drooping or sagging. The presence of the liquid crystal panel prevents
any substantial amount of drooping or sagging in the direction of the front panel
surface. Of concern, however, is the possibility of drooping more sagging in the direction
of the rear side (that is, toward the reflection sheet 114). Although only one tension
member 170 is shown in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal panel assembly 100 has tension members
170 the number of which corresponds to the number of coupling holes 153a of the optical
film 150. Accordingly, the liquid crystal panel assembly 100 in this teaching example
includes 6 tension members 170 in total.
[0055] In this exemplary embodiment, the tension member is provided with a clip member.
Accordingly, the tension member 170 is also called a clip member 170. As illustrated
in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the clip member/ tension member 170 includes a film coupling portion
171 and a locking portion 172, and an anglebetween them is substantially, but is not
limited to, 80°. At the end of the film coupling portion 171, a coupling hook 171a
is formed, and at the end of the locking portion 172, a locking hook 172a is formed.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the coupling hook 171 a of the clip member 170 is inserted
into the coupling hole 153a of the optical film 150 to be coupled to the optical film
150, and the locking hook 172a of the clip member 170 is locked into the locking groove
162a of the intermediate chassis 160. When the coupling hook 171a of the clip member
170 is in the coupling hole 153a, the coupling hook 171 a extends through the coupling
hole 153a. Referring to FIG. 1, in the area of the lower chassis 112 that faces the
second side surface 162 of the intermediate chassis 160, a through-hole 112b is formed.
The locking hook 172a of the clip member 170 is inserted into the through-hole 112b
of the lower chassis 112 when the locking hook 172a is locked into the locking groove
162 of the intermediate chassis 160.
[0056] With reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C, the operation of the clip member (tension member)
170 provided in the liquid crystal panel assembly 100 according to the first exemplary
embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 4A is a cross-section view showing a
step of coupling a clip member to an optical film, FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view
showing a step of applying tension to an optical film 150 by taking advantage of an
elastic force of the clip member 170.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 4A, the coupling hook 171a of the clip member 170 is inserted into
the coupling hole 153a of the optical film 150, and thus the clip member 170 is thus
coupled to the optical film 150. At this time, the optical film 150 is not under tension.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 4B, the clip member 170 that is coupled to the optical film 150
is pulled in the outside direction (that is, X direction) to apply a tension to the
optical film 150. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 4B, the optical film 150 tension is
applied to keep optical film 150 from being loose, from sagging, or from drooping.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 4C, the clip member 170, which is in a pulled state in the X direction,
is pressed downward by an operator, and the locking hook 172a of the clip member 170
is locked into the locking groove 162a of the intermediate chassis 160 through the
through-hole 112b of the lower chassis 112.
[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the angle β between the film coupling portion 171 and
the locking portion 172 of the clip member 170 is smaller than 90°. In this exemplary
embodiment, α is substantially 80°. As illustrated in FIG. 4C, when the clip member
170 is locked into the intermediate chassis 160, the angle α' between the film coupling
portion 171 and the locking portion 172 of the clip member 170 is larger than the
angle α before the clip member 170 is locked into the intermediate chassis 160. That
is, when the clip member 170 is locked into the intermediate chassis 160, the gap
between the film coupling portion 171 and the locking portion 172 of the clip member
170 becomes wider than it was in the original state.
[0061] The clip member 170is made of a material with resilience.When installed as shown
in FIG. 1, the clip member 170 has thereby been elastically deformed so that the angle
between the film coupling portion 171 and the locking portion 172 is larger than in
its natural state. The construction of the clip member 170 biases the film coupling
portion 171 and the locking portion 172 to move toward each other, thereby providing
an elastic force which ensures that tension on the optical film 150 is maintained.
That is to say, the clip member 170 applies tension to the optical film by taking
advantage of an elastic force thereof.
[0062] In addition, the elastic force,that biases the coupling portion 171 and the locking
portion 172 toward their original state, provides an action so that the locking hook
172a of the clip member 170 is easily locked into the locking groove 162a of the intermediate
chassis 160. Further, since the gap between the film coupling portion 171 and the
locking portion 172 of the clip member 170 is kept in a wider state than the original
state even after the locking of the clip member 170, the elastic force of the clip
member 170 prevents the locking hook 172a of the clip member 170 from receiving or
coming out from the locking groove 162a of the intermediate chassis 160.
[0063] As seen from FIGS. 4A to 4C, the optical film 150 is fixed to the intermediate chassis
160 by the clip member 170, and in this procedure, the optical film 150 is pulled
in the outside direction (X direction) by the clip member 170 to prevent the optical
film 150 from drooping downward (in the Y direction). As described above, although
the liquid crystal panel assembly 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment
is provided with no light guide panel under the optical film 150, the drooping of
the optical film 150 is prevented by the clip member (tension member) 170, and thus
the deterioration of the light uniformity and picture quality due to the drooping
of the optical film 150 can be prevented.
[0064] In this exemplary embodiment,the clip member 170 is mounted on the intermediate chassis
160. However, in other alternative exemplary embodiments, as will be appreciated by
those familiar with this field, the clip member 170 can be mounted on a different
component (for example, the upper chassis or lower chassis) of the liquid crystal
panel assembly 100. In addition, the particular shape of the clip member 170 can be
varied in accordance with the engineering needs of the installation.
[0065] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a liquid crystal panel assembly
according to a second exemplary embodiment.
[0066] The liquid crystal panel assembly 200 according to the second exemplary embodiment
as illustrated in FIG. 5 is similar in several ways to the liquid crystal panel assembly
100 according to the first exemplary embodiment as described above. For example, a
lower chassis 212, a heat sink 213, a reflection sheet 214, a light source 220, a
driving panel 221, an optical lens 230, a liquid crystal panel 240, and an optical
film 250 of the liquid crystal panel assembly 200 are the same as those of the above-described
liquid crystal panel assembly 100. Accordingly, a duplicate description of these components
will be omitted.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 5, the liquid crystal panel assembly 200 includes a lever member
270 as a tension member. The lever member 270 is rotatably mounted around a rotating
shaft 271 of the lever member 270. One end 272 of the lever member 270 is inserted
into the coupling hole 253a of the optical film 250, and the other end 273 of the
lever member 270 is pressed inwardly by the upper chassis 211, so that the optical
film 250 is pulled in the outside direction (X direction) by the lever member 270.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, a pressing protrusion 211a for pressing the lever member
270 is formed on the upper chassis 211. The reference numeral 215 indicates a screw
for coupling the upper chassis 211 with the lower chassis 212.
[0068] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the operation of the lever member (tension member)
270 that is provided in the liquid crystal panel assembly 200 according to the second
exemplary embodiment will be described in more detail. FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional
view showing the shape of a liquid crystal panel assembly before an optical film is
pulled by a lever member, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view showing the shape
of a liquid crystal panel assembly when an optical film is pulled by a lever member.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 6A, one end 272 of the lever member 270 is inserted into the coupling
hole 253a which is formed on the edge region of the optical film 250. At this time,
the optical film 250 is kept in a loose state.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 6B, when the upper chassis 211 is coupled to the lower chassis
212, the other end 273 of the lever member 270 is pressed inwardly by the pressing
protrusion 211a of the upper chassis 211. At this time, the lever member 270 is rotated
in one direction (in the drawing, counterclockwise) around the rotating shaft 271,
and thus the optical film 250 is pulled in the outside direction (X direction). That
is, the tension in the X direction is applied to the optical film 250 by the lever
member 270.
[0071] As described above, although the liquid crystal panel assembly 200 according to the
second exemplary embodiment is provided with no light guide panel under the optical
film 250, the tension is applied to the optical film 250 by the lever member 270,
and thus the optical film 250 is prevented from drooping downward (in the Y direction).
Accordingly, the deterioration of the light uniformity and picture quality due to
the drooping of the optical film 250 can be prevented.
[0072] It will be appreciated by those familiar with this field that the use of a freely
rotating lever and a rotating shaft 271 are not strictly necessary to the practice
of this exemplary embodiment. Other kinds of members that provide a lever action may
be used. For example, a resilient member that can be elastically deformed during the
installation of the optical film 250 on the shaft 271, but which returns to its natural
state after the installation and thereby provides tension, can be used.
[0073] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another liquid crystal panel assembly
according to a third exemplary embodiment.
[0074] The liquid crystal panel assembly 300 according to the third exemplary embodiment
as illustrated in FIG. 7 is similar to the liquid crystal panel assembly 100 according
to the first exemplary embodiment as described above. For example, a lower chassis
312, a heat sink 313, a reflection sheet 314, light sources 320, a liquid crystal
panel 340, and an optical film 350 of the liquid crystal panel assembly 300 are the
same as those of the above-described liquid crystal panel assembly 100. Accordingly,
a duplicate description of these components will be omitted.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 7, an edge region 355 of the optical film 350 is put on a first
seating surface 365 and a second seating surface 366 of the intermediate chassis 360.
The second seating surface 366is arranged closer to the center of the liquid crystal
panel than the first seating surface 365. In addition, the second seating surface
366, has a height that is higher than the first seating surface 365. In other words,
it protrudes more toward the liquid crystal panel then the first seating surface 365.Further,
the edge region 355 of the optical film 350 arranged on the first seating surface
365 is pressed downward (that is, in the Y direction) by a pressing surface 311b of
the upper chassis 311. As the upper chassis 311 presses the edge region 355 of the
optical film 350, the optical film 350 is pulled in the outside direction (that is,
in the X direction). In other words, the first seating surface 365 of the intermediate
chassis 360 and a pressing surface 311b of the upper chassis 311 apply tension to
the optical film 150 by gripping and edge 355 of the optical film 150 and pulling
it over a second seating surface 366 of the intermediate chassis.
[0076] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, a procedure of applying tension to the optical film
350 provided in the liquid crystal panel assembly 300 according to the third exemplary
embodiment will be described. FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view showing the shape
of the liquid crystal panel assembly before tension is applied to the optical film,
and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view showing the shape of the liquid crystal panel
assembly when tension is applied to the optical film.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 8A, the optical film 350 before the tension is applied to the optical
film 350 is free of tension.
[0078] Referring to FIG. 8B, when the upper chassis 311 is coupled to the lower chassis
312, the edge region 355 of the optical film 350 is pressed downward (in the X direction)
and over the second seating surface 366 by the pressing surface 311b of the upper
chassis 311, and at this time, the optical film 350 is pulled in the outside direction
(X direction). That is, the optical film 350 receives the tension through the pressing
action of the upper chassis 311. Accordingly, the optical film 350 is changed from
the loose state to a tight state.
[0079] As described above, although the liquid crystal panel assembly 300 according to the
third exemplary embodiment is provided with no light guide panel under the optical
film 350, the upper chassis 311 presses the edge region 355 of the optical film 350,
and thus the optical film 350 is prevented from drooping downward (in the Y direction).
Accordingly, the deterioration of the light uniformity and picture quality due to
the drooping of the optical film 350 can be prevented.
[0080] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a liquid crystal display
apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0081] In FIG. 9, the liquid crystal display apparatus 1 is a liquid crystal display television
(LCD TV). However, it will be appreciated by those familiar with this field that the
inventive concept can be applied to other types of display devices such as a computer
monitor and the like.
[0082] Referring to FIG. 9, the liquid crystal display apparatus 1 includes an upper housing
10 and a lower housing 20. These housings 10 and 20 accommodate one of the liquid
crystal panel assemblies 100, 200, and 300 according to the above-described exemplary
embodiments. In the rear of the liquid crystal panel assembly 100, 200, or 300, a
power board 30 for supplying a voltage to the liquid crystal display device 1 and
a control board 40 for controlling the operation of the liquid crystal display apparatus
1 are arranged. Although the power board 30 and the control board 40 are simply illustrated
in FIG. 9, other circuit boards may be additionally provided in the liquid crystal
display apparatus 1.
[0083] It will be appreciated that three different ways of providing tension on optical
films have been taught, above:(1) ac lip approach in which a clip member (such as,
e.g., clip member 170) provides tension through an elastic force; (2) a lever approach
in which a lever member (such as, e.g., lever member 270) is pressed by another part
so as to provide tension directly or indirectly to the optical film; and (3) a chassis
compression approach in which two different parts (such as, e.g., upper chassis 311
and intermediate chassis 360) have surfaces that cooperate to provide tension directly
or indirectly to the optical film (such as, e.g., the first 365 and second 366 seating
surfaces which cooperate with the pressing surface 311b).
[0084] Speaking more generally, the clip member 170, the lever member 270, and the seating
and pressing surfaces 365, 366, and 311b may all be thought of as different kinds
of tensioners.
[0085] Another way to put this is to say that the clip approach, the lever approach, and
the chassis compression approach employ means for providing tension. These means for
providing tension have in common the function of taking an optical film which might
otherwise tend to droop or sag, and applying force in at least one direction to reduce,
ameliorate, prevent, or eliminate such drooping or sagging. Structurally, the clip
approach involves at least an elastic clip; the lever approach involves a lever; and
the chassis compression approach involves at least two different surfaces that come
into contact in a manner that exerts tension on the optical film. The exemplary embodiments
shown above may be understood to provide teaching examples of how such means for providing
tension may be realized in a concrete manner, and those familiar with this field will
understand from these exemplary embodiments how to equivalently implement an elastic
clip, a lever, and/or chassis compression in any given situation.
[0086] While the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to certain
exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that
various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the
scope of the inventive concept, as defined by the appended claims.
1. An LGP-less liquid crystal panel assembly comprising:
at least one light source generating light;
a liquid crystal panel displaying the light generated from the light source as an
image;
at least one optical film arranged in the rear of the liquid crystal panel to face
the liquid crystal panel;
an upper chassis and a lower chassis accommodating the light source, the liquid crystal
panel, and the optical film; and
at least one tension member applying tension to the optical film so as to prevent
the optical film from drooping.
2. The liquid crystal panel assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tension member
is provided with a clip member, one end of the clip member is coupled to an edge region
of the optical film, and the other end of the clip member is locked into one component
in the liquid crystal panel assembly.
3. The liquid crystal panel assembly as claimed in claim 2, further comprising an intermediate
chassis;
wherein the other end of the clip member is locked into the intermediate chassis.
4. The liquid crystal panel assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the clip member comprises:
a film coupling portion coupled to the optical film; and
a locking portion locked into the intermediate chassis.
5. The liquid crystal panel assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein at least one coupling
hole is formed on the edge region of the optical film, and the film coupling portion
has a coupling hook extending through the coupling hole.
6. The liquid crystal panel assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein at least one locking
groove is formed on the intermediate chassis, and the locking portion has a locking
hook locked into the locking groove.
7. The liquid crystal panel assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the intermediate
chassis has a first side surface supporting the optical film and a second side surface
supporting the lower chassis, and an angle between the film coupling portion of the
clip member and the locking portion is smaller than an angle between the first side
surface and the second side surface of the intermediate chassis.
8. The liquid crystal panel assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tension member
is provided with a lever member rotatably arranged in the liquid crystal panel assembly,
one end of the lever member is coupled to an edge region of the optical film, and
the other end of the lever member is pressed by the upper chassis when the upper chassis
is coupled to the lower chassis.
9. The liquid crystal panel assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the upper chassis
has a pressing protrusion pressing the other end of the lever member.
10. The liquid crystal panel assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein at least one coupling
hole, into which the one end of the lever member is inserted, is formed on the optical
film.
11. The liquid crystal panel assembly as claimed in claim 8, further comprising an intermediate
chassis arranged between the upper chassis and the lower chassis;
wherein the lever member is mounted on the intermediate chassis.
12. The liquid crystal panel assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light source
comprises at least one LED.
13. An LGP-less liquid crystal panel assembly comprising:
at least one light source generating light;
a liquid crystal panel displaying the light generated from the light source as an
image;
at least one optical film arranged in the rear of the liquid crystal panel to face
the liquid crystal panel;
an upper chassis and a lower chassis accommodating the light source, the liquid crystal
panel, and the optical film; and
an intermediate chassis arranged between the upper chassis and the lower chassis;
wherein the intermediate chassis includes a first seating surface and a second seating
surface on which an edge regions of the optical film is seated, the second seating
surface is arranged on an inner side rather than the first seating surface with a
height that is higher than the first seating surface, and the upper chassis presses
the edge region of the optical film when the upper chassis is coupled to the lower
chassis.
14. The liquid crystal panel assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein the light source
comprises at least one LED.
15. A liquid crystal display apparatus including a liquid crystal panel assembly according
to any one of claims 1 to 14.